Celebrate like a 2015 graduate (complete with party photo coverage)!

I'm pausing our regular blog line up for a hot minute. This graduation party on Friday was a blast (in case you missed it!).  Jaclyn and I snapped some memories of the night, complete with a custom photo booth. Thanks to Vanessa at @lacreme_boutique for the handmade paper garlands she created to coordinated with our invites. Click here to see all of the party images. We love a good party and if we're lucky we'll see you in our photo booth soon! ... Just look for two goons trying to out do each others one liners. 

Catering : Cassie Schock / Photo booth : Everyday Charming / Photo booth decor : La Creme Boutique

…….Anddd behind the scenes, I introduced Jaclyn to her first Hardee's sandwich on our drive to Peoria. It was life changing. I think. 

HOW TO use clip-in extensions to erase thin or damaged hair.

Let's unpack the occasionally taboo topic of non-permanent hair extensions. We all know how they can go terribly wrong, like these. However, few share stories when they go right.

My friend and hairstyling maven, Bonnie Knobloch, spent an afternoon choosing proper colors and talking extension techniques. We've illustrated our process so you can confidently style your locks and erase thin, too short or damaged hair.

We don't advise DIY extensions. Your investment is upfront, so consult a professional before making a purchase.  You will want to make sure you have a proper cut, blending your extensions to fit your hairstyle.

Hidden side extension.

Can you spot the hidden extension? Didn't think so!

Hearing the word extension ... you automatically think long. That's not always true. Bonnie uses her clip in extensions to add volume. I've never noticed and if she didn't share her story, you'd never guess she has these sneaky little locks hidden so well.

Bonnie knows thin hair. She was determined to find a solution. She was noticing significant hair loss that came when each of her little girls arrived.

How to double up on thickness. Here's a few more tricks ...

for super thick locks or ponies, clip smaller pieces together before using.

More options. Make your wider extensions thicker by folding in half and clipping together.

Pony without clip-in extension.

Pony with clip-in extension. Look at that volume!!

Extension etiquette : Proper color, proper cut! Here is an example of a poor extension choice!

Bonnie's daughter Lucy plays hairstylist everyday. She's sporting her own set of extensions clipped into a cap. 

Starting with your own extensions is an investment but Bonnie makes it so simple by bringing colors to your home and finishing with a cut that allows natural bounce in both your own hair and the extensions.

Once you've had a session with Bonnie. (It only lasts an hour!) You will know what brush to use (I'm trying to get my hands on one!), which angle to clip for that enviable body, proper care... but more on this in next my next post!

So, next week I'm showing off how to get an ombre (highlighted) style without permanent damage to your hair. Yup, using clip in extensions!

Cheers to thick hair! -Laura

Business secrets exposed for all 3 Charming brands.

I had the privilege of doing an interview with my friend and longtime colleague, Joy Phillips of Joy Danielle Editor + Designer. She plays a very important role in my business.

So, here's your invitation to step behind the scenes with us as we divulge small beginnings and what really goes on behind the curtain with our Charming brands.

1. What do you enjoy the most about being a photographer?
 
I adore the lifestyle that photography has afforded me the last ten years. Granted there have been times to step back and allow it to float and times to lean in and push to the next level. Over all my business has afforded me the luxury to grow with it. I was only just a kid when I took the first step (with my dad's prompting) to sign a lease and open my doors as a portrait studio.

Now my business runs virtually as well as on location in Chicago. For a few years I had the opportunity to be apart of a brick and mortar business community, yet another growing experience. Seasonal industries force you to learn quickly to think outside the box. The 'outside the box' thinking I wish I'd done in my twenties was taking some accounting classes!
 
 

2. How many photo shoots do you average a year?
 
This is a multi level question so stick with me a minute.

My portrait company, Everyday Charming, averages 25 high school and established family sessions per year. By 'established family' I'm referring to families with children mostly over twelve years. I find at this stage families are wanting to capture life before becoming empty nesters - or having quieter nests!

We spend weeks planning for these sessions; perfecting clothing choices, measuring for future canvas to hang and choosing the shoot location to compliment their home decor. Literally each element is planned before these sessions ever happen.
 

My younger sibling site, Charming Child, is the polar opposite. Specializing in children's lifestyle photography, Charming Child focuses on kids 0-12 years being their crazy cool selves. As you might image nothing is planned or contrived as we document their lives.

My lucky dog sweater. I save this for training days with my associate photographers.

This side of the Charming brand has only begun last August. My associate photographers shot at a break neck pace the last season, nearly 50 sessions.

Since these lifestyle shoots are far less involved then Everyday Charming's portrait sessions, we can pop in and out of client's homes in less then 2 hours and offer a rate young parents can afford multiple times a year.
 

Our newest addition, Charming in Love, shows off our romantic side. We've only just launched this Valentines Day and are currently booking 2016 brides. It's wild how far in advance we must plan but it keeps us on our toes. We've projected 10 weddings for 2015 specializing in sophisticated nuptials for the couple who adores classic glamor. Stay tuned.
 

3. How has outsourcing your photo editing improved your business model?

It's always been very important to me to keep my business clear and concise in the services we offer. For years I've turned down photographing weddings because I knew the infrastructure was not in its perfect place. I had two specialties with Everyday Charming and my clients knew what they could expect.

I began outsourcing my editing during a huge boom in business five years ago. I was over worked and worried if I held on to too many of the key pieces they would eventually come crashing down around me.

I also worried about the national statistic stating photographers on average continue their profession ten years. Ding, ding, ding… I have no intention of quitting at five, ten or thirty! Was this a massive noise in the back of my head?

Absolutely! I knew I needed editing systems in place and with a micro-managers attitude I contacted Joy. It took months to feel like I could loosen my grip on post production. I would meticulously scour her culled and retouched images to find not one overlooked. I'm embarrassed to think of the hours I've wasted repeating this task. But like handing your children off to the sitter for the first few times I held on.

5 years later relying on professional post processing is what keeps my businesses rolling each season. Before launching each branch of my brand I've worked hard to create a look and feel for post production that reflects its own style within my brand. It's become my secret to sanity sending off EVERY image after a session. Out of mind, out of sight. Like magic they reappear to be shared with our pleased clients.  Bonus, this frees me to devote all my time to planning more unique sessions.
 

4. Describe your favorite shoes in your closet:

I just realized while dashing off to a photo shoot what kind of a relationship I have with my shoes. In the 3rd year of my business I had an entire wash basket full of broken, yet loved shoes, 20 some pairs. This career is hard on my foot's wardrobe. The basket boasted many heels snapped in half, rips in unlikely places and rubber soles peeling their way to freedom.

I was sad. I saved every last one in hopes of creating a shoe sculpture one day that would remind me of the pain involved in building a business. My favorite pair right now are probably the Valentino flats I wore to my wedding in March, very lady-like flats with some snarky gold studs.
 

5. What is the biggest challenge in running your own photography business?

Time management is my biggest struggle. I'm a born perfectionist who never knows when to say good enough.
 

6. Your favorite item in your makeup bag?

This is hard… I'm a product junky. There are three items that have stayed with me for years now… my Nars lipstick in Damage, Nars Sheer Glow foundation in Punjab and Laura Mercier highlighting powder in Startdust. Stardust isn't produced any longer so if you see me in a lady fight its probably over this shimmery little dust.
 

7. What accomplishment as a photographer are you most proud of?

I'm most amazed by the fact that I can shape my own destiny through a career as a photographer. I allow curiosity and passion to lead my business. If I have an interest (like perfecting skills in airbrush makeup or clothing styling or travel) I adjust my business model and search out a niche to fill.

There's a world of opportunity for small business living here in the States. It took living and traveling abroad to realize just how great this opportunity is. You only have to reach out for opportunities and then be willing to repeat daily to continue making it a reality. I can't really claim any of this accomplishment on my own. I'm blessed to have a loyal and supportive team behind me encouraging my next steps.

Liked this interview? Follow Joy Danielle for more on how to outsource your post production. She's created a video series of steps to speed up your photo selection process. Its her gift for coming along on the ride with her.

 

2 simple tips for writing profoundly sweet wedding vows.

Clint and I made a list of the 5 most important things for our wedding. #5, Write our own vows.

"Clint, When I think about how much can happen in such a short amount of time I'm completely overwhelmed. I KNOW that only God could have brought you into my life and at just the right moment. From the first day we met, I knew it was the beginning of something special. At the time I didn't know what it was - just a feeling.

It didn't take much time for me to realize what a treasure you are.

I know that it takes a daily effort to be the successful, honest, caring man that you are and I most respect you for taking the incentive to be just that.

I also know that it takes a commitment not just on your part but on your parents to teach you what it means to be a man of integrity. And I want to thank you both for that.

I also want to thank each person here who has made the effort to support us and love us no matter how difficult the situation.

Our wedding marks just one day but to me its the beginning of the rest of our lives. And that makes me so excited. I love that we share so many of the same passions and goals. I love that we have become a support system for each other on the good days and bad. I love that we can share everything.

You've taught me to push harder then ever for my hopes and dreams but in the end my dreams are standing right in front of me.

And just one last thing. I ate all the M&M's."

Wedding vows, whew, tough. How do you accurately sum up the past, present and future with the person you're promising to spend your life with... in a reasonable amount of time?

I probably read too many articles on the topic beforehand. Believe me, you can drown in the abundance of vow writing advice. I eventually tossed it all aside remembering my Aunt's unforgettably sweet vows from a few years back.

I didn't remember entirely her words. but here's what stuck with me as I heard. "I will love and cherish your children as my own"... there wasn't a dry eye. Her voice cracked with pure vulnerability and fellow sniffers around me multiplied instantly. It wasn't her heartfelt words themselves that I have etched into my memory, but the emotions I felt that day. Yes, from my seat in the audience. Honest emotion she allowed each of us to share with her.

That's the point my friends. Words only mean as much as the person sharing them believes. It's the emotion, we often cannot come up with words to describe, we can only feel.

She so kindly shared her vows with me for this article.

"I, Jada Ann Phillabaum, am honored to marry you, Jeffrey Joe Hoerr.  I love and respect you.  I know that this love is from God; my faith in Him has grown and strengthened through knowing and loving you.  Today we stand before our God, our friends, and our family to make this holy commitment of marriage.  I will steward and be found trustworthy of our marriage through God’s grace and strength.  I will follow your lead and respect your decisions for our family.  I will love and cherish your children as my own.  I will serve and support you in your faith, in your work, in your hobbies, and in our home.  I will hold your hand and walk with you through the uncertainties of our journey ahead - happiness & sorrow, health & sickness, harvest & drought.  I will embrace honesty and forgiveness in our marriage.  I commit to you these things for all the days of my life."

If you're struggling to write something profound, set your pen down and express from your heart... simple and honest... is always a profound choice.

Until next weekend. - Laura Rose

Photo Credits : Thanks to Tami Paige Photography and Charming In Love for your beautiful storytelling gifts.

$100 of style tips for a chic pregnancy + beyond

Here's another reason to celebrate; three non-maternity tops to last beyond the 9 months you carry your little pea. Yes, go crazy, buy all three for under $100! Plus, we've put together some chic tips for wearing your new pieces with baby on board and looking very on-trend.

The essentials list :
White Tank - Target

Black Tank - Free People 

Black Tee - Madewell

When wearing shirts with side slits, choose maternity jeans with a full band in a dark color (navy/black). It will look more like a tank top and blend better than a nude band. Plus, if your black belly band shows (like in the shot above) it will actually make you look smaller then a nude band. (Examine these pics very closely to see what we mean, talk about camouflaging a situation!)

Black is the most flattering and slimming when pregnant, but choose different textures in the same tone to mix and match.

Try shirts with cut-outs, off the shoulder neckline, interesting straps - details to distract from the belly.

Victoria secret sports bras -- they are super comfortable but look like a real bra under t-shirts. Bonus, they have cool straps that can enhance your basic tanks.

Find ways to incorporate other non-maternity clothes that are on trend, including jackets, shoes, and jewelry. (We love these adjustable necklaces from Madewell.)

Try on different cuts of shirts to find out which ones drape well over your new curves, everyone's are slightly unique!

Maxi dresses made with quality, thicker fabric hold up well through pregnancy. Plus they are super easy to throw on when you don't want to think about an outfit or wear tight pants.

Maternity jeans come in all price points. Make sure they are tight enough to keep their shape. I like the H&M jeans - I have grey and blue jean. (Gap jeans haven't kept their shape as well.)

You can still play with proportion when pregnant - (ex. Short skirts/long tanks/leggings, Vintage crop tops over black maxi dress)

Grab a (non-maternity) jean jacket/vest to offset mainly black/grey/navy wardrobe

You will also want neutral booties/tennis shoes that go with everything!

Thanks to my friend, Trisha Sutton for sharing her style opinions and modeling for this post in collaboration with Charming Child. She has a way of making those pre-baby months look very fashionable.

Headed your way soon, I'll be sharing styling tips from Annie at Label by Legoe, an Australian Maternity Fashion line, launching this September. (We are planning a styled photo shoot with Annie this summer to kick off her new line!)

Next Sunday... I'm backkk with destination wedding tips taken from my spring nuptials. I'll be dishing on why you will want to write your own vows and how to plan a impromptu wedding toast.

Hope your weekend was warm, relaxing and full of way too much coffee. cheers, Laura